Phytic Acid and Its Health Hazard

Phytic Acid and Its Health Hazard

Phytic Acid and its health hazards

Fig: Structure of Phytic Acid

Phytic acid technically known
as the inositol polyphosphate was discovered in the 1903 A.D. This is the
saturated cyclic compound with phosphorous, hydrogen, oxygen and
cyclo-hexane. Phytic acid has a strong binding
affinity to important minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, although the
binding of calcium with phytic acid ispH-dependent.The binding of phytic acid with iron
is more complex, although there certainly is a strong binding affinity,
molecules like phenols andtanninsalso influence the binding.When iron and zinc bind to phytic acid
they form insoluble precipitate and are far less absorbable in the intestines.
This process can therefore contribute to iron and zinc deficiencies in people
whose diets rely on these foods for their mineral intake, such as those indeveloping countries and vegetarians.
Contrary to that, one study correlated decreased osteoporosis risk with phytic
acid consumption.It also acts as
an acid, chelating the vitamin niacin,
the deficiency of which is known as pellagra.

The major source of phytic acid are barley, legumes, finger millet etc. The best natural way of reduction of phytic acid is the soak till some grains begin to sprout. This is the best natural way of reduction of phytic acid.